The Fort Walton Beach Fire Department responded to a two story wood frame in the downtown district built
in the early 1900's heavily involved upon arrival. The fire quickly escalated to two alarms with assistance from Ocean
City FD, & Okaloosa Island FD. Companies operated under the command of FWBFD Deputy Chief Bob Alden & Battalion Chief
Robert Bullard. It was believed at one point that there was possible entrapment but fortunately everyone made it out.
However, the incident was not without a close call. First due Engine Company 6 had a very close call with a live power-line.
Shortly after setting up for initial attack, a power-line which was hard to spot broke and fell on Engine 6 and also
severed an 1 3/4 hose line in half rendering the engine and hoseline out of service for a short period. Fortunately, Engineer
Kris Kempf, who was pumping the engine, was not injured. See below for pictures.
1st due Engine 6 preparing to go to work
Engineer Kempf
OCWFD FF Tim Brown, Engineer Wayne Faboozzi & FF Rick Laura
OCWFD FF Damian & Lt Ryan Christan
OCWFD FF Rick Laura
FWBFD FF Jack Chandler
FWBFD FF Chuck Rector
The 1 3/4 hose line was literally severed in half. The power line fell across the engine and onto the hoseline.
Engineer Kempf was on the apparatus when the power-line fell.
